European foreign ministers are set to convene in Brussels on January 27 to discuss the possibility of lifting sanctions on Syria, following a regional meeting in Riyadh. The gathering included ministers and diplomats from Western nations and marked the first such meeting since the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last month.
Focus on Syrian Development and Sanctions Relief
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, confirmed the meeting, highlighting the bloc’s desire to see a Syrian government that fosters inclusivity, respects women’s rights, and prevents radicalisation. Kallas also emphasized that any decision to ease sanctions could be quickly reversed if necessary.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud expressed support for lifting sanctions, asserting that they obstruct Syria’s development and reconstruction efforts.
“We stressed the importance of lifting unilateral and international sanctions imposed on Syria, as their continuation hinders the aspirations of the Syrian people to achieve development and reconstruction,” Al Saud said.
Regional and International Support for Sanctions Relief
Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, who has long advocated for the removal of sanctions, attended the meeting alongside foreign ministers from regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. The talks also involved key figures such as US Under Secretary of State John Bass, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
A statement from the Saudi foreign ministry reaffirmed the call for lifting sanctions to aid Syria’s reconstruction. The ministry also expressed concerns about Israeli actions in the Golan Heights and highlighted the importance of rebuilding Syria as a unified, independent, and safe Arab state.
Differing Views on Sanctions Relief
Syria’s new administration, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has urged Western sanctions to be lifted to allow international funding into the country.
While Germany, Italy, and France have advocated for relaxing EU sanctions on Syria, any final decision will require approval from all EU members. Germany’s Annalen Baerbock emphasized that sanctions on Assad’s allies, who committed serious war crimes, should remain. However, Germany is advocating for a “smart approach” to sanctions that would offer relief to the Syrian population.
“Germany proposes to take a smart approach to sanctions, providing relief for the Syrian population. Syrians now need a quick dividend from the transition of power,” Baerbock stated.
Diplomatic Engagement
This meeting in Riyadh marks the first time Syria’s new rulers participated in discussions with Western officials. It follows diplomatic meetings in Rome and Jordan in late 2024, where regional powers voiced concerns about Syria’s new leadership and the steps needed to secure international recognition.